County court is on closure hit-list

The future of Salford’s county court is under threat after a major spending review by the government. The court, based on Eccles New Road, does not deal with criminal cases, but instead rules on issues like divorce, family law and small claims.

The future of Salford’s county court is under threat after a major spending review by the government.

The court, based on Eccles New Road, does not deal with criminal cases, but instead rules on issues like divorce, family law and small claims.

The court building is on a hit-list of more than 150 across England and Wales which could close under the government’s budget cuts.

The hitlist also include Salford’s magistrates court, in Bexley Square, which could be saved by a £4m bailout from council taxpayers.

But the union leaders at Salford County Court say their fight is just as important as the bid to save the magistrates’ court.

Chris Health, from union PCS, said: "Closing Salford County Court would have much the same effect as the cuts by Dr Beeching on the railways in the 1960s. You don’t know what you have until it is gone.

"The county court is incredibly important and there is a reality that you will often know someone who has needed the services of the court.